Carpet Collection

101Presented by

Dee Cassell, CDT, CSI, LEEP APReclamation Depot LLC

• Why carpet?

• Carpet Construction

• Getting started as a Collector

• What does a collector do?

• What are the costs involved?

• Market Pricing

• Efficiencies

Agenda

• In the past 10 years, over 30 Billion lbs of carpet has gone to landfill• 1 person represents about 13 lbs of carpet per year going to landfill• In a market of 3 Million people = 39,000,000 Million lbs to landfill!!

Why carpet?

Bulk Problem!

Why carpet?

• Bulk problem for landfills

• Carpet is petroleum based

• Ultimately some type of plastic, does not decompose for a VERY LONG time

• Highly constructed product

• Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) founded in 2002 to increase diversion of carpet from landfills

Carpet Construction

Two styles of carpet sold:• Broadloom carpet – large rolls of carpet, usually a

flexible backing, also used for rugs

• Carpet tile – squares with an attached rigid backing

Carpet Construction

• Most common fibers used:• Nylon 6

• Nylon 66

• Polyester

• Polypropylene

• PET fiber

• Wool

• Blended fiber carpets

Carpet Construction

Getting started as a Collector• What do you know about carpet and/or after

markets?

• Where are your relationships, network, connections, experience?

• Market Analysis – population stats, landfill costs, cooperation with local government, adoption of other recycling programs

• Visit with retailers and commercial floor dealers – what type of carpet is typical in market – N6, N66, PP as well as ounce weight

Getting started as a Collector• How are you going to get the carpet?

• Provide containers?

• Drop-off points?

• Pick-up?

• Demo?

• Local Legislation (ie. California Carpet Bill AB 2398)

• If any, is it voluntary or mandated?

• Environmental Services for City, County,…

• Adoption rate of other recycling programs?

• Building awareness in the marketplace –specifications for architects

• Understand LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) as well as other incentives to customers

• Construction Waste Management section in Materials & Resources – diversion of 50%, 75% & 95% of construction waste

• Establish after market relationships right away

Getting started as a Collector

What does a Collector do?

COLLECT:

What does a Collector do?COLLECT:

What does a Collector do?BALE:

Horizontal Baler:

Vertical Baler:

Carpet & pad bales ready to ship

Carpet flats ready to ship

What are the costs involved?• Warehouse Space – carpet must be

protected from weather & kept dry

• Baler

• Fiber Analyzer

• Labor/Office Personnel

• Bobcat/Forklift

• Logistics - Trucks/Containers/Crews

• Freight

Market PricingLandfill costs vs. reclamation costs• Contact area waste management companies • dumpster rental charges• dumpster drop and pick-up fees• tonnage charges, tonnage limits• Franchise fees, taxes,…

• Take that overall cost to calculate what the market price for reclamation should be• You MUST charge for your services on the

front end

Dumpster Rental per monthDrop off & pick-up (round trip)$45 per ton, Broadloom carpet at 4 tons total loaded to the top, carpet tile can go up to 5 tons, limit is usually 7 tons *There are typically 3-5 additional fees on a bill that are paid to the city or franchise fund unrelated to the waste hauler

* Max out on volume before weight

$200 -$150 -$180 -

$120 -$650

Example for 30 yard dumpster:

$650/4 tons = $162.50 ton or $0.08 per lb

Market Pricing

• Will the market support that price for reclamation? Is this a VIABLE BUSINESSmodel? • What end market outlets are available

locally & beyond…to send the carpet to? • Is there a value to the end market for

what is being collected? Look locally first!!! Get a good analysis of the market.

EfficienciesMinimize your touch points with the carpet• Publish Receiving Requirements for your customers

(this is a new industry, they will comply)• Roll the carpet fiber side out

• Easier to identify fiber quickly and helps end markets• Minimizes the inclusion of knives, blades, tack strips, and

other trash

• Carpet tile must be palletized and strapped to pallets• Request carpet be stacked separately from pad and

carpet tile with similar backing be packaged together.• Identify carpet as it is coming off the truck. Create

piles of each category for processing.

What the client gets in return

Dee CassellReclamation Depot LLC

214-403-8932dee@thereclamationdepot.com

QUESTIONS?